Villanova,
PA – May 7, 2018 – Devereux
Advanced Behavioral Health, one of the oldest and largest nonprofit providers
of behavioral healthcare in the nation, has partnered with The Bradley Center
to provide the Pittsburgh-based organization with expert clinical training related
to programs and services addressing the commercial sexual exploitation of
children (CSEC).

Devereux will deliver
two levels of on-site consultation and training, aimed to assist The Bradley
Center in its efforts to build an enhanced program focused on the healing and
recovery of children who have been victims in western Pennsylvania.

As the nationwide provider
of choice in supporting trafficked youth on their path to healing, Devereux meets
these individuals’ unique needs through trauma-informed, evidence-based
clinical therapies, provided in a compassionate and supportive environment. Since
2012, the organization has provided specialized treatment for 350 children who
have been commercially sexually exploited. Devereux offers CSEC programs in Arizona,
Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and will open a program in Massachusetts
by year-end. Devereux also began providing these services for adult women in
2017, treating nearly 50 women in its Florida-based program.

“The commercial sexual
exploitation of children is a global scourge with a very serious impact, both
internationally and in the United States,” said Devereux Advanced Behavioral
Health President and CEO Carl E. Clark, II. “It is critical that Devereux share
its clinical expertise with the behavioral healthcare community to increase
services for these youth – addressing the traumas of these children, while also
providing a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.” The
statistics are shocking. Nearly 21 million people are trafficked globally every year[i]. Sixty
percent are trafficked for sex;[ii] 98
percent are women.[iii] In addition, two million are girls, whose
average age is between 12 and 14 when first sold
for sex[iv].

“We
are excited to partner with Devereux in working to protect and assist victims
of human trafficking. Dr. Yolanda Graham and the Devereux team’s passion,
dedication and commitment to this vulnerable population are well known, and
it’s an honor to learn from them,” said The Bradley Center CEO Lisa Fox. “We
are also grateful to the Staunton Farm Foundation for its generous underwriting
of this opportunity, and for its recognition of the importance of a well-trained
workforce that supports at-risk youth.”

“Devereux has done
a wonderful job providing CSEC services, but we recognize there are many more
youth who desperately need our support, and so we have a responsibility to
train others,” explained Devereux Executive Director of Mental Health Services Dr. Yolanda Graham. “We are thrilled to
partner with The Bradley Center on this initiative because services will now be
available for these vulnerable youth in the Pittsburgh area.”

The
organization’s two levels of training include:

May 8–10: “CSEC
101: The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children” More
than 200 Bradley Center staff members will participate in this CSEC overview,
which includes an understanding of: the scope of the problem, both
internationally and domestically; the appropriate language to use when
describing CSEC victims; how to identify potential victims; Stockholm Syndrome,
trauma bonding and grooming behaviors; and the importance of providing clear
boundaries when working with CSEC victims.

May 21: “CSEC 201:
The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children”During
this advanced training, nearly 25 Bradley Center clinicians and therapists will
learn to: identify clinical challenges associated
with these victims; understand the complex trauma bonds between victims/exploiters;
explain why motivational interviewing works with this population; articulate
the Stages of Change model and how it relates to CSEC victims; and implement an
individualized and group therapy treatment format.

The Devereux
Foundation Institute of Clinical Training and Research is approved by the
American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for
Psychologists. The Devereux Foundation Institute of Clinical Training and
Research maintains responsibility for the program and its content.
Psychologists attending the program in its entirety and completing the program
evaluation form will receive 2.75 APA continuing education credits.

Social Workers

Under 049 Pa. §
Code 47.36, social workers and clinical social workers in Pennsylvania may
receive credit for continuing education courses and programs accredited by the
American Psychological Association.

About Devereux
Advanced Behavioral Health

Devereux
Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit
organizations providing services, insight and leadership in the evolving field
of behavioral healthcare. Founded in 1912 by special education pioneer Helena
Devereux, the organization operates a comprehensive national network of
clinical, therapeutic, educational, and employment programs and services that
positively impact the lives of tens of thousands of children, adults – and
their families – every year. Focused on clinical
advances emerging from a new understanding of the brain, its unique approach
combines evidence-based interventions with compassionate family engagement.
With approximately 7,500 employees working in programs across the nation, it is
a recognized partner for families, schools and communities, serving many of our
country’s most vulnerable populations in the areas of autism, intellectual and
developmental disabilities, specialty mental health, and child welfare.
Programs are offered in hospital, residential, community and school-based
settings. They include: assessments; interventions and support; transition and independent
life services; family and professional training; research and innovation; and advocacy
and public education. For more than a century, Devereux Advanced Behavioral
Health has been guided by a simple and enduring mission: To change lives by
unlocking and nurturing human potential for people living with emotional,
behavioral or cognitive differences. www.devereux.org.

About The Bradley Center

The
Bradley Center is committed to improving the lives of children, youth and
families affected by trauma, mental illness and behavioral health challenges.
Bradley’s core services are comprised of a Residential Treatment Facility and
the Bradley School. These programs provide services for children with mental,
emotional and behavioral disabilities. Bradley is accredited nationally by The Joint Commission,
licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Department of Education
and Department of Health. www.thebradleycenter.org

The Philadelphia Foundation recently awarded Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a $15,000 Leadership Grant to help the nonprofit implement Servant Leadership methodology and best practices across its centers in the Philadelphia region.

Two events benefitting Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona raised nearly $20,000 this fall for youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences, as well as those served by the center’s foster care programs.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania participated in its second job fair for immigrants, drawing professionals interested in a career in behavioral health. The job fair was held in partnership with the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, which accelerates immigrant integration and economic advancement through education, training, employment and entrepreneurship.